Adaptors for multistage pump assemblies

ABSTRACT

A pump assembly is configured to fit to a predefined pipe layout defined by supply and discharge interfaces that are positioned in a predefined relation to supply and discharged centerlines, respectively. The pump assembly includes a multistage pump having a plurality of pumping stages mounted along a pump shaft rotating along a rotation axis. The multistage pump has an inlet port and a discharge port, and the multistage pump is aligned horizontally such that the rotation axis is oriented parallel to the supply centerline. The pump assembly also includes an adaptor having a pump interface and a pipe interface, wherein the adaptor has an internal fluid channel extending along a non-linear passageway between the pump and pipe interfaces. The pump interface is coupled to one of the inlet and discharge ports of the multistage pump, and the pipe interface is located proximate one of the supply and discharge interfaces.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to U.S. application Ser. No. 11/868,860 filed Oct. 8, 2007, the subject matter of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter herein relates generally to horizontal multistage pump assemblies, and more particularly, to adaptors for horizontal multistage pump assemblies.

Pump assemblies are provided within pipe systems of residential, commercial or industrial facilities for increasing the pressure and flow of the fluid within the pipe system. The pump assembly is usually fitted to supply and discharge pipes of the pipe system to circulate the fluid under pressure. The typical pump assembly has an inlet that supplies fluid to the pump through a manifold having an impeller chamber, an impeller located in the chamber, a power head (e.g. motor and shaft) to drive the impeller, and a discharge that returns the fluid to the pipe system. The inlet is fitted to a supply pipe and the discharge is fitted to a discharge pipe. The size of the pump assembly is selected based on the particular pipe system and the desired pressure and flow of the fluid within the pipe system. For example, various pump assembly components may be provided to accommodate various sized supply pipes and discharge pipes, which are typically different than one another. The particular pump assembly components chosen depend on the particular application. In another example, in applications where a high pressure is desired, a pump assembly having a relatively larger motor or a relatively larger impeller may be used. In some known pump assemblies, multiple impellers are used, such as in a multistage pump assembly.

The multistage pump assemblies typically have one of two configurations, namely a horizontal configuration or a vertical configuration. In both configurations, the pump assemblies typically stack the multiple impellers in stages in series. In the horizontal configuration, the stack is oriented generally horizontally when installed; and in the vertical configuration, the stack is oriented generally vertically when installed. A problem often encountered is that end-users typically mount the selected pump assembly to an existing pipe system, which has a predetermined pipe layout. Rather than reconfiguring the pipe layout, the end-user will typically select a pump assembly that fits the existing pipe layout. For example, the pipe layout may have either a horizontal or a vertical supply pipe and a horizontal or vertical discharge pipe. The pipe layout may have the pipe interfaces at a predetermined distance from one another, such as at opposite ends of the stack or pump stages. As a result of needing to supply pump assemblies to fit multiple different pipe layouts, pump manufacturers design, manufacture and inventory many different types of pump assemblies, which is expensive for the pump manufacturers.

A need remains for pump assemblies that can accommodate different pipe layouts. A need remains for pump assemblies that can be manufactured at a reduced cost. A need remains for pump assemblies that can reduce inventory.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a pump assembly is provided that is configured to fit to a predefined pipe layout, the pipe layout being defined by supply and discharge interfaces that are positioned in a predefined relation to supply and discharge centerlines, respectively. The pump assembly includes a multistage pump having a plurality of pumping stages mounted along a pump shaft rotating along a rotation axis. The multistage pump has an inlet port and a discharge port, and the multistage pump is aligned horizontally such that the rotation axis is oriented parallel to the supply centerline. The pump assembly also includes an adaptor having a pump interface and a pipe interface, wherein the adaptor has an internal fluid channel extending along a non-linear passageway between the pump and pipe interfaces. The pump interface is coupled to one of the inlet and discharge ports of the multistage pump, and the pipe interface is located proximate one of the supply and discharge interfaces.

Optionally, the inlet port and the discharge port may be arranged in-line, with the discharge port being located proximate the discharge interface. The multistage pump may have closed suction and head ends, where the inlet and discharge ports are both located along sides of the multistage pump proximate the suction end thereof. The inlet and discharge ports may be in-line with one another and transverse to the rotation axis. Optionally, the adaptor may have a curved body shaped such that the pump interface engages the inlet port and the pipe interface is located in line with the rotation axis and supply centerline with the pipe interface being located proximate the supply interface. The adaptor may be configured to directly engage one of the inlet and discharge ports. The adaptor may be configured to directly engage one of the supply and discharge interfaces.

Optionally, the inlet and discharge ports may both be located along sides of the multistage pump, with the inlet and discharge ports axially aligned with one another along the rotation axis or alternatively with the discharge port located proximate the suction end and the inlet port located proximate the head end. The inlet port may be arranged at the suction end in line with the rotation axis and supply centerline, wherein the adaptor is shaped such that the pump interface engages the discharge port and the pipe interface is located radially out from the rotation axis in line with the discharge centerline. Optionally, the discharge interface may be spaced a distance X from the supply centerline, the supply interface may be spaced a distance Y from the discharge centerline, and the ratio of X to Y may be within a range of 6 to 4 and 20 to 6. The discharge interface and the supply interface may be arranged proximate the suction end with the rotation axis being coincident with the supply centerline. The supply interface and the discharge interface may be arranged perpendicular to one another with either the inlet port or the discharge port directly engaging the supply interface or the discharge interface, respectively.

In another embodiment, a pump system is provided including a supply pipe having a supply interface, wherein the supply pipe extends from the supply interface along a supply centerline, and a discharge pipe having a discharge interface, wherein the discharge pipe extends from the discharge interface along a discharge centerline. The discharge interface and the supply interface are positioned in a predefined relation to define a pipe layout. The pump system also includes a pump assembly including a multistage pump having a plurality of pumping stages centered about a rotation axis. The multistage pump has an inlet port and a discharge port and is aligned horizontally such that the rotation axis is oriented parallel to the supply centerline. The pump assembly also includes an adaptor having a pump interface and a pipe interface with an internal fluid channel extending along a non-linear passageway between the pump and pipe interfaces. The pump interface is coupled to one of the inlet and discharge ports of the multistage pump. The pump assembly is fluidly coupled to the supply pipe and the discharge pipe such that the pipe interface is coupled to one of the supply interface or the discharge interface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary horizontal, multistage pump assembly arranged within a pump system that includes a supply pipe and a discharge pipe.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the pump assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative pump assembly including an adaptor arranged within a pump system.

FIG. 4 illustrates another alternative pump assembly including an adaptor arranged within a pump system.

FIG. 5 illustrates yet another alternative pump assembly including an adaptor arranged within a pump system.

FIG. 6 illustrates a further alternative pump assembly including an adaptor arranged within a pump system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary horizontal, multistage pump assembly 10 arranged within a pump system 100 that includes a supply pipe 102 and a discharge pipe 104. The pump assembly 10 includes a pump motor 12 and a pump housing 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump housing 14 includes a cartridge 15 and a manifold or volute 16 that are separately provided from one another and coupled to one another. In an exemplary embodiment, the cartridge 15 includes a multistage pump stack having a plurality of pumping stages. The pump assembly 10 may be installed in an existing or new pipe system to the supply pipe 102 and the discharge pipe 104 for increasing the pressure and/or flow of water or another fluid within the pipe system.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pump assembly 10 represents a horizontal pump assembly that may be mounted to a base 18 via a plurality of supports or braces, such as motor supports 20, a cartridge support 22, and volute supports 24. The base 18 is generally planar and is oriented horizontally, and may be mounted, directly or indirectly to a ground or building surface (not shown). While various embodiments of horizontal pump assemblies are described below, it is understood that the pump assembly 10 may be beneficial in other, non-horizontal applications as well. The following embodiments are therefore provided for illustrative purposes only.

The pump housing 14 extends between a head end 26 and a suction end 28. In an exemplary embodiment, the motor 12 is positioned proximate the head end 26 and the volute 16 is positioned proximate the suction end 28. The motor 12, the cartridge 15 and the volute 16 are axially aligned with one another along a longitudinal or rotation axis 30. The motor 12 includes a motor shaft 32 aligned with the rotation axis 30, and the cartridge 15 includes a pump shaft 34 aligned with the rotation axis 30. The motor shaft 32 and the pump shaft 34 are interconnected by a shaft coupling 36 for transmitting torque from the motor shaft 32 to the pump shaft 34. The shaft coupling 36 is housed within an enclosure 38 extending between the motor 12 and the cartridge 15.

The cartridge 15 defines a pump unit that includes the pump stack (not shown), a pump head 40, a sleeve 42 and an end plate 44. In an exemplary embodiment, the pump stack is a multi-stage pump stack having a plurality of pumping stages. Each pumping stage includes an impeller and a diffuser. The sleeve 42 surrounds the pump stack 14. The pump stack 14 and the sleeve 42 generally extend between the pump head 40 and the end plate 44. The sleeve 42 has a generally circular cross section and defines a chamber through which the fluid flows. In the illustrated embodiment, and as will be explained in greater detail below, the cartridge 15 includes an inner chamber and an outer chamber through which the fluid is channeled. The sleeve 42 defines a radially outer surface of the outer chamber. The sleeve flange 44 is separately provided from, and coupled to, the sleeve 42. The sleeve flange 44 is retained in place with respect to the sleeve 42 and the pump head 40 by multiple staybolts 46 extending between the pump head 40 and the sleeve flange 44. The pump shaft 34 extends through the cartridge 15 and is substantially centered within the chamber defined by the sleeve 42. Optionally, an end of the pump shaft 34 may be supported by a bearing support 48 integrated with the sleeve flange 44.

The volute 16 includes a front end 50, a rear end 52, a top 54, a bottom 56, and sides 58 and 60. Optionally, the front end 50 may define the suction end 28 of the pump housing 14, however, other components may be positioned between the front end 50 and the suction end 28 in alternative embodiments. The volute supports 24 may be coupled to the sides 58, 60 using known fasteners or known fastening methods. The volute 16 is coupled to the sleeve flange 44 via a volute flange 62 extending radially outward at the rear end 52 of the volute 16, such as using known fasteners and known fastening methods. The volute 16 is coupled to the sleeve flange 44 such that the volute 16 is in fluid communication with the cartridge 15.

In the illustrated embodiment, the volute 16 represents an end-suction, radial-discharge volute having an inlet port 64 at the front end 50 and a discharge port 66 at the top 54. The inlet port 64 and the discharge port 66 are non-parallel with respect to one another, such that the volute 16 has a non-in-line configuration (e.g. an orientation in which the inlet and the outlet are not aligned with one another along an axis). Optionally, the inlet port 64 and the discharge port 66 may be generally perpendicular with respect to one another, such as the end-suction, radial discharge configuration illustrated in FIG. 1. Optionally, the inlet port 64 may be oriented in-line with the rotation axis 30 such that the fluid flows through the inlet port 64, the volute 16, the sleeve flange 44 and the cartridge 15 in a direction along the rotation axis 30, shown by the arrow A. More particularly, the fluid flows through the multiple stages of the pump stack of the cartridge 15 by flowing through the inner chamber, such as to the pump head 40, and then flows through the outer chamber, which is radially outward with respect to the inner chamber, back to the volute 16, where the fluid is discharged through the discharge port 66.

Other configurations and orientations of the inlet and discharge ports 64 and 66 and the arrangement of the stages and fluid flow path are contemplated in alternative embodiments. For example, the inlet and discharge ports 64 and 66 may be arranged at the front end 50, top 54, bottom 56 or sides 58, 60 in an in-line configuration (e.g. an orientation in which the inlet and the outlet are aligned with one another along an axis) or a different non-in-line configuration. The inlet and discharge ports 64 and 66 may be arranged remote with respect to one another, such as at opposite ends of the pump housing 14 with, for example, the inlet port 64 proximate the suction end 28 and the discharge port proximate the head end 26, or vice versa. Additionally, other configurations of pump housings 14 may be provided, such as with the cartridge 15 and the volute 16 as a single piece.

In the illustrated embodiment, an inlet fitting 68 is coupled to the inlet port 64. The fitting 68 is separately provided from the volute 16 and mountable thereto. The fitting 68 may be securely coupled to the volute 16 using known fasteners or fastening methods. In the illustrated embodiment, the fitting 68 constitutes a victaulic connection using a snap ring 72 and corresponding grooves on each of the inlet fitting 68 and the volute 16 at the inlet port 64. In alternative embodiments, the fitting 68 may be threadably coupled to the volute 16; the fitting 68 may be coupled to the volute 16 using an integral flange and corresponding fasteners; the fitting 68 may be soldered or welded to the volute 16; and the like. The fitting 68 is also configured for attachment to the supply pipes 102, such as by a flange coupling, a threaded coupling, a soldered coupling, and the like. The type and size of fitting 68 (e.g. flange, threaded, and the like) may be selected based on the supply pipe interface 106 included on the supply pipe 102.

Optionally, the fitting 68 may be used to change (e.g. increase or decrease) the diameter of the flow path to transition from the supply pipe 102 to the inlet port 64, when the diameters of the supply pipe 102 and the inlet port 64 are different diameters. In alternative embodiments, the fitting 68 may constitute a modular supply spool having first and second flanges at the ends thereof. Multiple supply spools may be provided with the pump assembly 10, wherein each spool has different dimensions, such as opening size, flange size, height, width, length, thickness, fitting type, and the like. The supply spools are interchangeable with the volute 16 to accommodate a range of supply pipe 102 configurations. Optionally, seals may be positioned between the fitting 68 and the volute 16 to seal the interconnection therebetween. In alternative embodiments, the fitting 68 may be integrally formed with the volute 16 and positioned for interconnection with the supply pipe 102.

The pump assembly 10 includes an adaptor 80 coupled to the discharge port 66, however the adaptor 80 may be coupled to the inlet port 64 in alternative embodiments. The adaptor 80 includes a pump interface 82 and a pipe interface 84. The adaptor 80 includes an internal fluid channel 86 (shown in phantom in FIG. 1) extending along a non-linear passageway between the pump and pipe interfaces 82, 84. The pump interface 82 may be coupled to the discharge port 66 and the pipe interface 84 may be coupled to a discharge interface 108 of the discharge pipe 104. The interfaces may be either directly coupled or indirectly coupled (e.g. have additional components or fittings therebetween).

FIG. 2 is a side view of the pump assembly 10 connected to the supply pipe 102 and the discharge pipe 104. The pump assembly 10 is mounted generally horizontally such that the rotation axis 30 is oriented generally horizontally. The pump assembly 10 is illustrated as resting along the base 18 that has a generally horizontally planar support surface 120. The rotation axis 30 is positioned a distance 122 from the support surface 120. Optionally, the heights of the motor supports 20, cartridge support 22, and volute supports 24 may be selected to control the distance 122. Additionally, the heights of the motor supports 20, cartridge support 22, and volute supports 24 may be selected to orient the pump assembly 10 in a generally horizontal orientation. The cartridge support 22 and volute supports 24 are separated by a distance 123.

In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet port 64, or more particularly, the fitting 68 associated with the inlet port 64 is directly coupled to the supply pipe 102 at the supply interface 106. For example, the fitting 68 and the supply pipe 102 both include flanges that are coupled to one another. Optionally, a gasket may be provided between the flanges. Other types of connections may be used, such as threaded connections, NPT connections, sweat connections, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the supply interface 106 is generally vertically oriented, such as in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the support surface 120.

In an exemplary embodiment, the inlet port 64 is arranged at the suction end 28 in-line with the rotation axis 30. Optionally, the inlet port 64 is arranged at the suction end 28 in-line with a supply centerline 124, which is the centerline of the supply pipe 102 proximate the supply interface 106. The supply centerline 124 is generally parallel to the rotation axis 30 and the support surface 120. The supply centerline 124 is positioned a distance 126 from the support surface 120. The supply centerline 124 may be generally horizontal. Optionally, the distance 126 may be substantially equal to the distance 122 such that the supply centerline 124 is aligned with the rotation axis 30.

As shown in FIG. 2, the adaptor 80 is coupled to the pump assembly 10 such that the pump interface 82 is coupled to the discharge port 66. Optionally, the pump interface 82 is directly coupled to the discharge port 66, such as by connecting a flange 128 to the pump housing 14. The adaptor 80 is coupled to the discharge pipe 104 such that the pipe interface 84 is coupled to the discharge interface 108. Optionally, the pipe interface 84 may be directly coupled to the discharge interface 108. For example, a flange 130 of the adaptor 80 may be connected to a flange 132 at the discharge interface 108. Optionally, a gasket may be provided between the flanges 130, 132. Other types of connections may be used.

The adaptor 80 includes a curved body 134 shaped to transition the fluid flow from the pump interface 82 to the pipe interface 84 along the channel 86. The curved body 134 is non-linear and accommodates the non-linear passageway defining the channel 86. In an alternative embodiment, rather than having a curved body, the body 134 may be shaped differently, such as generally box-shaped, and the curved or serpentine channel 86 may extend therethrough. Optionally, the adaptor 80 may be used to change (e.g. increase or decrease) the diameter of the flow path to transition from the discharge port diameter to the discharge pipe diameter, when the diameters of the discharge pipe and the discharge port are different diameters. In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge port 66 is non-aligned with a discharge centerline 136 of the discharge pipe 104. The discharge centerline 136 is the centerline of the discharge pipe 104 proximate the discharge interface 108. In an exemplary embodiment, the discharge centerline 136 is generally perpendicular to the rotation axis 30 and the support surface 120. The discharge centerline 136 may be generally vertical.

In an exemplary embodiment, a pipe layout is defined by the supply pipe 102 and the discharge pipe 104. For example, the pipe layout is defined by the supply and discharge interfaces 106, 108 and by the supply and discharge centerlines 124, 136. As such, the orientation and the location of the supply and discharge pipes 102, 104 defines the pipe layout. In an exemplary embodiment, the pipe layout defines an orthogonal pipe layout, wherein the supply pipe 102 and the discharge pipe are oriented perpendicular to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the pipe layout is defined by the discharge interface 108 being positioned a distance X from the supply centerline 124 and the supply interface 106 being positioned a distance Y from the discharge interface 136. Optionally, the ratio of X to Y may be within a range of 6 to 4 and 20 to 6. In alternative embodiments, the pipe layout may be a non-orthogonal pipe layout, such as a parallel pipe layout.

The pump assembly 10 is adapted to fit within the pipe layout. For example, the adaptor 80 is used to fit the pump assembly 10 to the pipe layout. Optionally, multiple adaptors may be utilized, such as one between the supply pipe 102 and the pump assembly 10 and another between the discharge pipe 104 and the pump assembly 10. The adaptor 80 may have any size and shape to transition between the pump assembly 10 and the respective supply and/or discharge pipe 102, 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the adaptor 80 transitions the fluid flow a distance 138 in a rearward direction along the rotation axis 30, generally away from the supply interface 106. In alternative embodiments, the distance 138 may be increased or decreased, depending on the particular pipe layout and discharge port 66 location. In other alternative embodiments, the adaptor 80 may transition the fluid flow in a different direction, such as in a forward direction. The adaptor 80 may also transition the fluid flow in a direction transverse to the direction illustrated in FIG. 2, such as toward one of the sides of the pump assembly 10.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative pump assembly 310 including an adaptor 312 arranged within a pump system 300 that includes a supply pipe 302 and a discharge pipe 304. The pump assembly 310 includes a pump motor 314 and a pump housing 316. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump housing 316 includes a multistage cartridge 318 and a manifold or volute 320. The pump housing 316 extends between a head end 322 and a suction end 324. In the illustrated embodiment, the volute 320 represents an in-line volute having an inlet port 330 and a discharge port 332 aligned with one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet port 330 is positioned at a bottom of the volute 320 and faces downward and the discharge port 332 is positioned at a top of the volute 320 and faces upward. The adaptor 312 is coupled to the inlet port 330.

The adaptor 312 includes a pump interface 334 and a pipe interface 336. The adaptor 312 includes an internal fluid channel 338 (shown in phantom in FIG. 3) extending along a non-linear passageway between the pump and pipe interfaces 334, 336. The pump interface 334 is coupled to the inlet port 330 and the pipe interface 336 is coupled to the supply pipe 302. The adaptor 312 extends from the bottom of the pump assembly 310 and then wraps around the front of the pump assembly 310 to interface with the supply pipe 302.

In an exemplary embodiment, a pipe layout is defined by the supply pipe 302 and the discharge pipe 304. The supply pipe 302 includes a supply interface 340 and a supply centerline 342, which is the centerline of the supply pipe 302 proximate the supply interface 340. In the illustrated embodiment, the supply centerline 342 is horizontal. A flange coupling is provided at the supply interface 340. The discharge pipe 304 includes a discharge interface 344 and a discharge centerline 346, which is the centerline of the discharge pipe 304 proximate the discharge interface 344. In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge centerline 346 is vertical. A sweat coupling is provided at the discharge interface 340. The pipe layout is defined by the supply and discharge interfaces 340, 344 and by the supply and discharge centerlines 342, 346. As such, the orientation and the location of the supply and discharge pipes 302, 304 defines the pipe layout. In an exemplary embodiment, the pipe layout defines an orthogonal pipe layout.

The pump assembly 310 is adapted to fit within the pipe layout. For example, the adaptor 312 is used to fit the pump assembly 310 to the pipe layout. The adaptor 312 may have any size and shape to transition between the pump assembly 310 and the supply pipe 302. For example, the size of the pump assembly 310 may impact the size and or the shape of the adaptor 312. The position and orientation of the pipe layout may impact the size and or the shape of the adaptor 312. In the illustrated embodiment, the adaptor 312 transitions the in-line type of pump assembly to fit to an orthogonal pipe layout.

FIG. 4 illustrates another alternative pump assembly 410 including an adaptor 412 arranged within a pump system 400 that includes a supply pipe 402 and a discharge pipe 404. The pump assembly 410 includes a pump motor (not shown) that drives a shaft 414 and a pump housing 416. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump housing 416 includes a multistage cartridge 418. The pump housing 416 extends between a head end 422 and a suction end 424. Optionally, the pump motor may be coupled to the shaft 414 proximate the suction end 424. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump housing 416 includes a suction manifold 426 at the suction end 424 and a discharge manifold 428 at the head end 422. The multiple stages are arranged between the inlet and discharge manifolds 426, 428 and the fluid flows from the suction end 424 to the head end 422 and is discharged from the pump assembly 410 at the head end 422. The pump assembly 410 includes an inlet port 430 at the inlet manifold 426 and a discharge port 432 at the discharge manifold 428. The inlet and discharge ports 430, 432 extend from the same side of the pump assembly 410, such as the top of the pump assembly 410. The ports 430, 432 may extend from other sides in alternative embodiments and/or the ports 430, 432 may extend from different sides than one another in some alternative embodiments. The adaptor 412 is coupled to the inlet port 430.

The adaptor 412 includes a pump interface 434 and a pipe interface 436. The adaptor 412 includes an internal fluid channel 438 (shown in phantom in FIG. 4) extending along a non-linear passageway between the pump and pipe interfaces 434, 436. The pump interface 434 is coupled to the inlet port 430 and the pipe interface 436 is coupled to the supply pipe 402. In the illustrated embodiment, the adaptor 412 extends from the top of the pump assembly 410 to a side portion of the pump assembly 410 and then wraps around the front of the pump assembly 410 to interface with the supply pipe 402.

In an exemplary embodiment, a pipe layout is defined by the supply pipe 402 and the discharge pipe 404. The supply pipe 402 includes a supply interface 440 and a supply centerline 442, which is the centerline of the supply pipe 402 proximate the supply interface 440. In the illustrated embodiment, the supply centerline 442 is horizontal. The discharge pipe 404 includes a discharge interface 444 and a discharge centerline 446, which is the centerline of the discharge pipe 404 proximate the discharge interface 444. In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge centerline 446 is vertical. The pipe layout is defined by the supply and discharge interfaces 440, 444 and by the supply and discharge centerlines 442, 446. As such, the orientation and the location of the supply and discharge pipes 402, 404 defines the pipe layout. In an exemplary embodiment, the pipe layout defines an orthogonal pipe layout.

The pump assembly 410 is adapted to fit within the pipe layout. For example, the adaptor 412 is used to fit the pump assembly 410 to the pipe layout. The adaptor 412 may have any size and shape to transition between the pump assembly 410 and the supply pipe 402. For example, the number of stages may impact the size and or the shape of the adaptor 412. The size of the pump assembly 410 may impact the size and or the shape of the adaptor 412. The position and orientation of the pipe layout may impact the size and or the shape of the adaptor 412. In the illustrated embodiment, the adaptor 412 transitions the parallel pipe type of pump assembly to fit to an orthogonal pipe layout.

FIG. 5 illustrates yet another alternative pump assembly 510 including an adaptor 512 arranged within a pump system 500 that includes a supply pipe 502 and a discharge pipe 504. The pump assembly 510 includes a pump motor (not shown) that drives a shaft 514 and a pump housing 516. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump housing 516 includes a multistage cartridge 518. The pump housing 516 extends between a head end 522 and a suction end 524. Optionally, the pump motor may be coupled to the shaft 514 proximate the head end 522. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump housing 516 includes a suction manifold 526 at the suction end 524 and a discharge manifold 528 at the head end 522. The multiple stages are arranged between the inlet and discharge manifolds 526, 528 and the fluid flows from the suction end 524 to the head end 522 and is discharged from the pump assembly 510 at the head end 522. The pump assembly 510 includes an inlet port 530 at the inlet manifold 526 and a discharge port 532 at the discharge manifold 528. The pump assembly defines an end-suction, radial discharge type of pump assembly 510 with the discharge port 532 positioned a distance 533 from the inlet port 530.

The adaptor 512 includes a pump interface 534 and a pipe interface 536. The adaptor 512 includes an internal fluid channel 538 (shown in phantom in FIG. 5) extending along a non-linear passageway between the pump and pipe interfaces 534, 536. The pump interface 534 is coupled to the discharge port 532 and the pipe interface 536 is coupled to the discharge pipe 504. In the illustrated embodiment, the adaptor 512 extends along the top of the pump assembly 510 from a position proximate the head end 522 to a position proximate the suction end 524.

In an exemplary embodiment, a pipe layout is defined by the supply pipe 502 and the discharge pipe 504. The supply pipe 502 includes a supply interface 540 and a supply centerline 542, which is the centerline of the supply pipe 502 proximate the supply interface 540. In the illustrated embodiment, the supply centerline 542 is horizontal. The discharge pipe 504 includes a discharge interface 544 and a discharge centerline 546, which is the centerline of the discharge pipe 504 proximate the discharge interface 544. In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge centerline 546 is vertical. The pipe layout is defined by the supply and discharge interfaces 540, 544 and by the supply and discharge centerlines 542, 546. As such, the orientation and the location of the supply and discharge pipes 502, 504 defines the pipe layout. In an exemplary embodiment, the pipe layout defines an orthogonal pipe layout.

The pump assembly 510 is adapted to fit within the pipe layout. For example, the adaptor 512 is used to fit the pump assembly 510 to the pipe layout. The adaptor 512 may have any size and shape to transition between the pump assembly 510 and the discharge pipe 502. For example, the number of stages may impact the size and or the shape of the adaptor 512. The size of the pump assembly 510 may impact the size and or the shape of the adaptor 512. The position and orientation of the pipe layout may impact the size and or the shape of the adaptor 512. In the illustrated embodiment, the adaptor 512 transitions the fluid flow from being discharge proximate the head end 522 to a position that is proximate the suction end 524. For example, the discharge of the pipe interface 536 is positioned a distance 548 from the inlet port 530, where the distance 548 is less than the distance 533.

FIG. 6 illustrates a further alternative pump assembly 610 including a first adaptor 611 and a second adaptor 612 arranged within a pump system 600 that includes a supply pipe 602 and a discharge pipe 604. The first adaptor 611 is substantially similar to the adaptor 512 (shown in FIG. 5). The pump assembly 610 includes a pump motor (not shown) that drives a shaft 614 and a pump housing 616. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump housing 616 includes a multistage cartridge 618. The pump housing 616 extends between a head end 622 and a suction end 624. Optionally, the pump motor may be coupled to the shaft 614 proximate the head end 622. The shaft rotates about a rotation axis 615. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump housing 616 includes a suction manifold 626 at the suction end 624 and a discharge manifold 628 at the head end 622. The discharge manifold 628 may be defined by a sleeve surrounding the stages. The multiple stages are arranged between the inlet and discharge manifolds 626, 628 and the fluid flows from the suction end 624 to the head end 622 and is discharged from the pump assembly 610 at the head end 622. The pump assembly 610 includes an inlet port 630 at the inlet manifold 626 and a discharge port 632 at the discharge manifold 628. The inlet port 630 is positioned at the end of the pump assembly 610 and thus defines an end-suction type pump assembly. The inlet port 630 is off-set with respect to the rotation axis 615 such that the inlet port 630 is not aligned with the rotation axis 615.

The adaptor 612 includes a pump interface 634 and a pipe interface 636. The adaptor 612 includes an internal fluid channel 638 (shown in phantom in FIG. 6) extending along a non-linear passageway between the pump and pipe interfaces 634, 636. The pump interface 634 is coupled to the inlet port 630 and the pipe interface 636 is coupled to the supply pipe 602. In the illustrated embodiment, the adaptor 612 is positioned in front of the pump assembly 610 and generally transitions from a first height to a lower height that is substantially aligned with the rotation axis 615.

In an exemplary embodiment, a pipe layout is defined by the supply pipe 602 and the discharge pipe 604. The supply pipe 602 includes a supply interface 640 and a supply centerline 642, which is the centerline of the supply pipe 602 proximate the supply interface 640. The supply centerline 642 is generally aligned with the rotation axis 615. In the illustrated embodiment, the supply centerline 642 is horizontal. The discharge pipe 604 includes a discharge interface 644 and a discharge centerline 646, which is the centerline of the discharge pipe 604 proximate the discharge interface 644. In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge centerline 646 is vertical. The pipe layout is defined by the supply and discharge interfaces 640, 644 and by the supply and discharge centerlines 642, 646. As such, the orientation and the location of the supply and discharge pipes 602, 604 defines the pipe layout. In an exemplary embodiment, the pipe layout defines an orthogonal pipe layout.

The pump assembly 610 is adapted to fit within the pipe layout. For example, the first adaptor 611 and the second adaptor 612 is both used to fit the pump assembly 610 to the pipe layout. The first adaptor 611 transitions from the discharge port 632 to the discharge interface 644 of the discharge pipe 604. The second adaptor 612 transitions from the inlet port 630 to the supply interface 640 of the supply pipe 602.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Dimensions, types of materials, orientations of the various components, and the number and positions of the various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments, and are by no means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means—plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure. 

1. A pump assembly configured to fit to a predefined pipe layout, the pipe layout being defined by supply and discharge interfaces that are positioned in a predefined relation to supply and discharged centerlines, respectively, the pump assembly comprising: a multistage pump having a plurality of pumping stages mounted along a pump shaft rotating along a rotation axis, the multistage pump having an inlet port and a discharge port, the multistage pump being aligned horizontally such that the rotation axis is oriented parallel to the supply centerline; and an adaptor having a pump interface and a pipe interface, the adaptor having an internal fluid channel extending along a non-linear passageway between the pump and pipe interfaces, the pump interface being coupled to one of the inlet and discharge ports of the multistage pump, the pipe interface being located proximate one of the supply and discharge interfaces.
 2. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the inlet port and the discharge port are arranged in-line, the discharge port being located proximate the discharge interface.
 3. The pump assembly of claim 1, the multistage pump having closed suction and head ends, where the inlet and discharge ports are both located along sides of the multistage pump proximate the suction end thereof.
 4. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the inlet and discharge ports are in-line with one another and transverse to the rotation axis, the adaptor having a curved body shaped such that the pump interface engages the inlet port and the pipe interface is located in line with the rotation axis and supply centerline, the pipe interface being located proximate the supply interface.
 5. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the adaptor is configured to directly engage one of the inlet and discharge ports.
 6. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the adaptor is configured to directly engage one of the supply and discharge interfaces.
 7. The pump assembly of claim 1, the multistage pump having closed suction and head ends, where the inlet and discharge ports are both located along sides of the multistage pump, the adaptor having a curved body shaped such that the pump interface engages the inlet port and the pipe interface is located in line with the rotation axis and supply centerline, the pipe interface being located proximate the supply interface.
 8. The pump assembly of claim 7, wherein the inlet and discharge ports are axially aligned with one another along the rotation axis.
 9. The pump assembly of claim 7, wherein the discharge port is located proximate the suction end and the inlet port is located proximate the head end.
 10. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the inlet port is arranged at the suction end in-line with the rotation axis and supply centerline, the adaptor having a curved body shaped such that the pump interface engages the discharge port and the pipe interface is located radially out from the rotation axis in line with the discharge centerline.
 11. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the discharge interface is spaced a distance X from the supply centerline, the supply interface is spaced a distance Y from the discharge centerline, and the ratio of X to Y is within a range of 6 to 4 and 20 to
 6. 12. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the discharge interface and the supply interface are arranged proximate the suction end, the rotation axis being coincident with the supply centerline.
 13. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the supply interface and the discharge interface are arranged perpendicular to one another, one of the inlet port or the discharge port directly engaging the supply interface or the discharge interface, respectively.
 14. A pump system comprising: a supply pipe having a supply interface, the supply pipe extending from the supply interface along a supply centerline; a discharge pipe having a discharge interface, the discharge pipe extending from the discharge interface along a discharge centerline, wherein the discharge interface and the supply interface are positioned in a predefined relation to define a pipe layout; and a pump assembly comprising: a multistage pump having a plurality of pumping stages centered about a rotation axis, the multistage pump having an inlet port and a discharge port, the multistage pump being aligned horizontally such that the rotation axis is oriented parallel to the supply centerline; and an adaptor having a pump interface and a pipe interface, the adaptor having an internal fluid channel extending along a non-linear passageway between the pump and pipe interfaces, the pump interface being coupled to one of the inlet and discharge ports of the multistage pump, wherein the pump assembly is fluidly coupled to the supply pipe and the discharge pipe such that the pipe interface is coupled to one of the supply interface or the discharge interface.
 15. The pump system of claim 14, wherein when the pipe interface is coupled to the supply interface, the discharge port is coupled to the discharge interface, and wherein when the pipe interface is coupled to the discharge interface, the inlet port is coupled to the supply interface.
 16. The pump system of claim 14, wherein the inlet and discharge ports are in-line with one another and transverse to the rotation axis, the adaptor having a curved body shaped such that the pump interface engages the inlet port and the pipe interface is located in line with the rotation axis and supply centerline, the pipe interface being located proximate the supply interface.
 17. The pump system of claim 14, the multistage pump having closed suction and head ends, where the inlet and discharge ports are both located along sides of the multistage pump, the adaptor having a curved body shaped such that the pump interface engages the inlet port and the pipe interface is located in line with the rotation axis and supply centerline, the pipe interface being located proximate the supply interface.
 18. The pump system of claim 14, wherein the inlet port is arranged at the suction end in line with the rotation axis and supply centerline, the adaptor having a curved body shaped such that the pump interface engages the discharge port and the pipe interface is located radially out from the rotation axis in line with the discharge centerline.
 19. The pump system of claim 14, wherein the discharge interface is spaced a distance X from the supply centerline, the supply interface is spaced a distance Y from the discharge centerline, and the ration of X to Y is within a range of 6 to 4 and 20 to
 6. 20. The pump system of claim 14, wherein the supply interface and the discharge interface are arranged perpendicular to one another, one of the inlet port or the discharge port directly engaging the supply interface or the discharge interface, respectively. 